Vertically adjustable straddle type cart

ABSTRACT

A straddle type cart for transporting a container or the like, wherein the cart is attached to a prime mover and driven into overlying relationship with respect to the container to be transported. The chassis of the cart is in the form of a polygon and includes spaced apart downwardly depending strut members, a frame, and power means associated therewith which is adapted to change the configuration of the chassis from a square to a parallelogram in order to move a main upper beam of the chassis in a vertical direction, thereby enabling a load attached to the cart to be vertically lifted or lowered by the pivotal action of the structure of the cart. Latch means affix adjacent sides of the polygon to each other in a manner to maintain the cart in affixed elevated upright position. The power means is located between and affixed to adjacent sides of the polygon and control the relative angles thereof, to thereby bring about the before recited lifting action.

Carter Sept. 5, 1972 [54] VERTICALLY ADJUSTABLE STRADDLE TYPE CART [72]Inventor: Marvin V. Carter, Rte. 1, Troy, Ala.

22 Filed: May 14,1971

211 Appl.No.: 143,385

52 115.01 ..2l4/394,187/8.71,254/1OR 51 1111.01. ..B60p 1/64 58FieldofSearch ..214/390, 392, 394, 396,512, 2l4/DIG. 10; 254/102, 10 R,10.4, 10.6;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,853,308 9/1958 Schramm .L..2l4/394X 3,237,798 3/1966 Harnpl ..2l4/394 Primary Examiner-Albert J.Makay A ttorney- Marcus L. Bates [57] ABSTRACT A straddle type cart fortransporting a container or the like, wherein the can is attached to aprime mover and driven into overlying relationship with respect to thecontainer to be transported. The chassis of the cart is in the form of apolygon and includes spaced apart downwardly depending strut members, aframe, and power means associated therewith which is adapted to changethe configuration of the chassis from a square to a parallelogram inorder to move a main upper beam of the chassis in a vertical direction,thereby enabling a load attached to the cart to be vertically lifted orlowered by the pivotal action of the structure of the cart.

Latch means affix adjacent sides of the polygon to each other in amanner to maintain the cart in affixed elevated upright position. Thepower means is located between and affixed to adjacent sides of thepolygon and control the relative angles thereof, to thereby bring aboutthe before recited lifting action.

9 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures Patented Sept. 5, 1972 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG.I

FIG. 2

INVENTOR. MARVIN V. CARTER MARCUS L. BATES ms AGENT Patented Sept. 5,1972 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 VERTICALLY ADJUSTABLE STRADDLE TYPE CARTBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Straddle type trailers and carts adapted totransport elongated bundles of material or bulky tanks are known tothose skilled in the art as evidenced by the patents to Schramm US. Pat.No. 2,853,308 and Hample US. Pat. No. 3,237,798, to which reference ismade for further background of this invention.

It is desirable to have a three point suspension straddle type cartwhich can be removably connected to a conventional hitch or drawbar of aconventional prime mover, such as a pickup truck. It is also desirablethat such a cart be rugged in design and provide a maximum tunnel orinside usable load carrying area commensurate with local and federalhighway rules and regulations.

It is furthermore desirable that the cart be fabricated in such a mannerto be completely operable by a single person, as for example, thevehicle driver. The struts which transfer the load from the structure ofthe chassis into the axel and wheels must be sufficiently strong toprevent lateral movement of the structure when substantial sideloads areimposed upon the cart. Furthermore, it is desirable to have a cart ofthe above described type which is easily handled and can be rapidlyloaded or unloaded in an improved and more efficient manner. 7 v

It is particularly desirable that the cart be sufficiently rugged indesign and simple in operation to enable a single operator to transportpropane tanks and the like, from one location to another.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a trailer, andspecifically to a straddle type cart for transporting bulky objects suchas containers or integrated loads. The cart is comprised of a chassiswhich includes two spaced apart parallel main load carrying upper beamsand two lateral cross brace members having spaced apart journal meansattached to each end thereof. A pair of downwardly depending struts areaffixed to and include the journals on each end of the lateral crossbrace beams. A second journal is affixed to the lower end of the strutsand pivotally attached to a wheel sfipporting frame member so as toprovide a polygon shaped strut member having four sides. The polygon canbe controllably changed in configuration from a square into aparallelogram, and vice versa. Latch means associated with a strut legand the frame member maintains the cart in an elevated upright position.Power means associated with the remaining strut leg and another portionof the frame member provides means by which the chassis can be loweredinto proximity of the ground for loading and unloading, or elevated intoan upright load carrying position.

A primary object of this invention is to provide an improved straddletype cart for transporting loads such as containers and the like.

Another object of this invention is to provide a straddle type carthaving spaced apart pivotal support struts, which, when moved, changesthe configuration from a square into a parallelogram.

A further object of this invention is to provide a straddle type carthaving a polygon shaped chassis comprised of parallel main load carryingupper beams, lateral cross beams, pivotally mounted struts, and an axelsupporting frame, all of which are movably attached to form a square ora parallelogram. A portion of a strut and a portion of the frame isprovided with latch means to rigidly secure the cart in the elevatedposition.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an improved carthaving a chassis comprised of elongated load carrying parallel beamssupported by polygon shaped struts, with each strut transferring theload from a frame member, and with the frame member being supported bywheels so that the struts can be pivoted from a square configurationinto the configuration of a parallelogram, thereby adjustably moving theparallel beams in a vertical direction.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a simplifiedstraddle type trailer design that provides a maximum usable loadcarrying tunnel as compared to the outside dimensions, and whichmechanically lifts and lowers the load.

Another and still further object of this invention is the provision ofan improved trailer design that provides a hitch which is verticallyadjustable with respect to the ground.

The above objects are attained in accordance with the present inventionby the provision of a combination of elements which are fabricated in amanner substantially as described in the above abstract and summary.These and various other objects and advantages will be come readilyapparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detaileddescription and claims and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevational, partdiagrammatical view of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a broken, schematical representation which shows the apparatusof FIG. 1 as being in an alternate operative configuration, and whichsets forth the essence of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a detailed end view of a cart made in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the cart seen in Figure 3, and

FIG. 5 is essentially the same as Figure 4, but illustrates the cart asit appears when moved into a retracted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIGS. 1 and 2 broadlydisclose a straddle type cart, generally indicated by the arrow atnumeral 10, fabricated in accordance with the present invention, andadapted to be suspended from a conventional hitch and towed by aconventional prime mover. The cart is.

seen to be comprised of a chassis 11, which is made up of two spacedapart parallel upper beams, one of which is seen at 12. Each upper mainsupport beam includes an elongated first portion which downwardly turnsfor a limited distance at 14 so as to provide a vertical adjustmentmeans 14' which enables the cart to be removably attached to almost anyheight conventional vehicle. Horizontal tongue portion 13 is arrangedparallel to horizontal member 12 and includes a conventional hitch 15attached to the marginal free depending terminal end thereof.

Axel 16 bottom supports frame member 17 which in turn bottom supportsparallel legs 18 and 19. A marginal longitudinal length 20 of an upperbeam 12 is disposed parallel to the before mentioned frame member.Journal means 21, 22, 23, and 24; respectively; connect together members19, 20; 18, 20; 17, 19; and l7, 18, respectively. Hence legs 18 and 19,along with frame member 17, cooperate together to form a strut assemblywhich bottom supports one of the upper beams from the illustrated wheel.Each spaced apart frame member is provided with such a strut assembly.

Since members 17, 20 are parallel to one another, and members 18, 19 areparallel to one another, the four coacting members cooperate together toform the square strut configuration setv forth in the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 1. The square or polygon of FIG. 1 can be changedinto the configuration of a parallelogram, as will be appreciated lateron in this disclosure.

A latch means, comprised of a removable pin member 25, a pin guide means26, and an apertured upstanding member 26" cooperate together and locksand secures the chassis in an upright load carrying position. Latch pin25 is lifted out of engagement with the aperture at 26' in order torelease a strut leg from the frame member, thereby enabling the chassisto be controllably collapsed into the loading and unloading position ofFIGS. 2 and 5. The illustrated biasing means can be incorporated intothe latching apparatus if deemed desirable.

As particularly illustrated in the preferred embodimentof FIGS. 3-5,spaced apart laterally arranged cross-brace members definethe limitedlength of upper beam 20. Journal means 22 and 22 are affixed to theopposed marginal end portions of the cross-brace members so as toprovide an elongated bearing surface which admits low friction pivotalrotation of one end of the strut leg 18 thereabout. The rear cross-bracemember likewise accommodates spaced apart journal means, one of which isseen illustrated at 21. The crossbrace members, cart frame member,journal or pivot means, and spaced apart strut legs in their entirety,cooperate together to form a unitized movable strut assembly forsupporting the spaced apart parallel upper beams from the axel.

A fastener means 29, which can take on several different forms, isattached to each leg of the strut assemblies for engaging theillustrated chain therewithin. A load 31, which for purposes ofillustration is shown to be in the form of a propane tank, has a rearattachment point 32' affixed thereto which cooperates with fastenermeans 32 for receiving chain 33 therethrough in order to secure the tankto the main load carrying members.

A hydraulic pressure control system, generally indicated by the arrow atnumeral 34, includes hydraulic pump 35 which is actuated by means ofhandle 36 in a known and conventional manner. Reservoir 37 acts as asurge tank and precludes ingestion of air into the system.

As more clearly illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, there is provided ahydraulic cylinder assembly 38 which includes the usual and conventionalpiston 39. The free depending end of the piston is adjustably attachedto web portion 40 which in turn is attached to a vertical leg of thestrut. The free depending end of the cylinder 41 is attached to web 42which in turn is afiixed to the axel carrying member of the frame.

Shaft or rod 43 can be manipulated by handle 44 so as to control theflow of fluid to and from the hydraulic cylinder assembly throughcross-over valve means 43 As best seen in FIG. 4, the inclined portionof the chassis at 14 includes the illustrated telescoping coactingmembers which enables tongue member 13 to be moved towards and away frommember 12. Removal of pin 58 permits portion 56 to be telescopinglymoved into member 57 and towards member 12 so as to attain verticaladjustment of hitch 15 relative to ground level. As noted, the adjustingoperation can be accomplished with a small hydraulically operatedcylinder assembly affixed to web members 51 ad 53(Hydraulic-manipulationof piston 50 within cylinder 52 either raises or lowers hitch 15 to thedesired height.

In operation, the hitch is attached to'a drawbar 60 of a conventionalvehicle (not shown), and with the apparatus in the configuration of FIG.4, the cart is moved along the ground and into overlying position withrespect to a load. The pin of the latch means is pulled upwardly againstthe illustrated biasing means so as to withdraw the lower marginalportion of the pin from the apertured member at 26. This action causesleg 19 to be released from member 17. The handle 44 is next turned tomove valve 43' to the flow permitting position, whereupon the chassis ispivoted into the illustrated configuration of FIGS. 2 and 5. Ashydraulic piston 39 is retracted into cylinder 41 the upper beams of thechassis move downward into proximity of the load, whereupon the load canbe attached to the load supporting members and strut legs at 29 by anyconvenient and suitable means, including the illustrated quickdisconnect chains. The valve is next shifted to an alternate flowposition, and the hydraulic pump is again actuated so as to cause thehydraulic piston 39 to force strut leg 18 and frame member 17 apart,that is, to change the acute and obtruse angles of the strut assembly toright angles with the frame while simultaneously moving the upperlongitudinal members in an upward direction, thereby lifting thesecurely attached load free of the ground. Once the chassis has beenreturned to the square configuration of FIGS. 1 and 4, the latch meansis returned to the locked position and the load safely can betransported to another location as desired.

Upon reaching the new location where the load is to be deposited, andafter releasing the latch, the load is gently lowered into proximity ofthe ground or other supporting surface by manipulationof the valve,which again hydraulically collapses the chassis from the square orupright configuration of FIG. 4 into the retracted configuration of FIG.5, in the same before described manner. The attachment means supportingand securing the load to the chassis is disengaged from the load, andthe chassis returned to the square configuration of FIG. 4 by propermanipulation of the hydraulic system. It will be appreciated that theemployment of strut assemblies that will pivot into the configuration ofa parallelogram by means of the illustrated journals provides a rigidstructure which does not hunt due to lateral forces being imposedthereon or to accumulative lost motion between wear surfaces.

Furthermore, when the apparatus of FIG. 5 is returned to theconfiguration of FIG. 4, the latch means need not be massive and complexbecause the longitudinal force placed on the legs of the strutassemblies is usually extremely small as compared to the vertical andlateral loads.

It is contemplated that the upstanding portion of the frame member canbe built up of angles or squares similar to that of FIGS. 4 and 5; or,alternatively, can be an integral plate-like structure such asschematically seen illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Moreover, the specificlatch means employed to maintain the strut leg affixed to the framemember can take on several different forms, but preferably is of adesign which will positively remain in the latched or unlatchedposition, as desired, so as to enable a single operator to manipulatethe entire apparatus. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatincorporation of a latch means on either or both sides of the cart frameis contemplated and is encompassed in this invention.

I claim: 1. A straddle type cart for transporting a container or thelike, comprising a chassis;

said chassis including spaced apart upper beams, each having spacedapart journal means attached thereto;

means forming a downwardly depending strut; said strut including spacedapart legs and a frame member, with one said leg being attached to onesaid journal means, each leg having a swing end and a pivot end withsaid swing end adapted to swing in an arcuate manner about said pivotend;

journal means at each swing end of each leg;

said frame member having the ends thereof affixed to said journal meansof the swing end of the legs of one of said struts;

wheel means; means by which said wheel means are rotatably affixed tosaid frame member;

an upstanding member attached to said frame member; releasable latchmeans attached to one of tached to a leg of one strut and to the framemember for controlling the angle therebetween to thereby raise and lowersaid upper beams relative to the frame.

3. The cart of claim 2, and further including means for securing andsupporting a load from said upper beams and said strut legs: whereby,the load is lifted when said upper beams are raised; and, the load islowered when said upper beams are lowered relative to the frame member.

4. The cart of claim 2 wherein said means for controlling the anglebetween a leg of one strut and the frame member includes a hydrauliccylinder and piston assembly having the free depending end of saidpiston connected to said le and the free end of said 0 inder connectedto said frame; and further including a hydraulic pump and valve meansconnected together by flow conduit means for controlling flow of fluidto and from the hydraulic cylinder.

5. The cart of claim 1 wherein said spaced apart upper beams lie in acommon plane; and said beams being formed in two sections, withadjustment means being interposed between the recited sections, andfurther including means forming a hitch at one end of said chassis.

6. The cart of claim 1 wherein said strut legs together with said framemember and part of one said upper beam is in the form of a polygon; saidpolygon being arranged with respect to said latch means and said powermeans whereby said wheels move toward said hitch when the upper beamsare lowered toward the wheels.

7. The cart of claim 1 wherein said spaced apart struts together withsaid spaced apart upper beams form an inverted U-shaped tunnel throughwhich the load may pass as the cart is moved over the load.

8. The cart of claim 1 wherein said upper beams are in the form of twospaced apart members lying in a common plane, said plane being broken byand connected together by an adjustment means.

9. The cart of claim 1 wherein said frame member includes diametricallyopposed outwardly directed axels attached thereto, means by which saidwheels are attached to said axels;

said strut legs together with said frame member and part of one saidupper beam being in the form of a P y said polygon being in theconfiguration of a square when the upper beams are in the elevatedposition relative to the wheels;

said polygon being in the configuration of a parallelogram when theupper beams are in the lowered position relative to the wheels.

* I I III I

1. A straddle type cart for transporting a container or the like,comprising a chassis; said chassis including spaced apart upper beams,each having spaced apart journal means attached thereto; means forming adownwardly depending strut; said strut including spaced apart legs and aframe member, with one said leg being attached to one said journalmeans, each leg having a swing end and a pivot end with said swing endadapted to swing in an arcuate manner about said pivot end; journalmeans at each swing end of each leg; said frame member having the endstheReof affixed to said journal means of the swing end of the legs ofone of said struts; wheel means; means by which said wheel means arerotatably affixed to said frame member; an upstanding member attached tosaid frame member; releasable latch means attached to one of said legs,said latch means adapted to releasably affix the last said leg to saidupstanding member when said leg to which said latch means is attached ispivotally moved into engagement therewith, whereby: said latch means,when engaged with said upstanding member, maintains said upper beams inan elevated position relative to said frame member, and, when unlatched,permits the legs to pivot to thereby lower said upper beams into a lowerposition relative to said frame member.
 2. The cart of claim 1 andfurther including means attached to a leg of one strut and to the framemember for controlling the angle therebetween to thereby raise and lowersaid upper beams relative to the frame.
 3. The cart of claim 2, andfurther including means for securing and supporting a load from saidupper beams and said strut legs: whereby, the load is lifted when saidupper beams are raised; and, the load is lowered when said upper beamsare lowered relative to the frame member.
 4. The cart of claim 2 whereinsaid means for controlling the angle between a leg of one strut and theframe member includes a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly havingthe free depending end of said piston connected to said leg, and thefree end of said cylinder connected to said frame; and further includinga hydraulic pump and valve means connected together by flow conduitmeans for controlling flow of fluid to and from the hydraulic cylinder.5. The cart of claim 1 wherein said spaced apart upper beams lie in acommon plane; and said beams being formed in two sections, withadjustment means being interposed between the recited sections, andfurther including means forming a hitch at one end of said chassis. 6.The cart of claim 1 wherein said strut legs together with said framemember and part of one said upper beam is in the form of a polygon; saidpolygon being arranged with respect to said latch means and said powermeans whereby said wheels move toward said hitch when the upper beamsare lowered toward the wheels.
 7. The cart of claim 1 wherein saidspaced apart struts together with said spaced apart upper beams form aninverted U-shaped tunnel through which the load may pass as the cart ismoved over the load.
 8. The cart of claim 1 wherein said upper beams arein the form of two spaced apart members lying in a common plane, saidplane being broken by and connected together by an adjustment means. 9.The cart of claim 1 wherein said frame member includes diametricallyopposed outwardly directed axels attached thereto, means by which saidwheels are attached to said axels; said strut legs together with saidframe member and part of one said upper beam being in the form of apolygon; said polygon being in the configuration of a square when theupper beams are in the elevated position relative to the wheels; saidpolygon being in the configuration of a parallelogram when the upperbeams are in the lowered position relative to the wheels.